Try these traditions and check out some St. Paddy’s Day folklore
Natalie Dean | Entertainment Editor
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will look a little different this year without large gatherings and events, but there’s still fun to be had in the various traditions and folklore that revolve around the holiday. Traditionally, the day honors the death of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Over time, people continued to recognize Irish culture ⏤ often involving elaborate get-togethers with food, dancing, music and wearing green clothing. Consider looking at these traditions and tidbits of folklore to get into the festive spirit come Wednesday, March 17.
- Legends believe that the shamrock became a symbol of St. Patrick’s Day, partly because they also believe that St. Patrick used the three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity in his teachings.
- St. Patrick used to be associated with the color blue, but green fell into favor and has been associated with the holiday ever since.
- It has also become custom for people to pinch each other for not wearing green, as it is seen as bad luck.
- In ancient Ireland, shamrocks are considered to be sacred and symbolize the rebirth of spring.
- The odds of finding a four leaf clover on the first try is one in ten thousand, which makes it extremely lucky to find one.
- Leprechauns date back to Celtic mythology and are believed to be fairy-like creatures in Irish folklore, which connected them to St. Paddy’s Day. It is said that they are dressed in green, are mischievous and live in remote areas, where they make little shoes and protect their gold.
- Corned beef and cabbage have been a staple dish for this gathering for years, but corned beef really came into popularity for Irish-American families who used it as a substitute for traditional Irish bacon.
- In 1962, Chicago dyed a portion of the Chicago River green to celebrate the holiday, which has since become a long-standing tradition for the area. Although there were no gatherings for the event this year, the city still dyed the river green to show their spirit.
Contact the author at ndean17@wou.edu
